World of Brass is to launch a brand new on-line subscription streaming service — wobplay — which will enable customers to access the huge range of audio and video recordings produced over the last three decades and more.
4BR understands that it is to be launched officially in the coming weeks.
Entire back catalogue
wobplay will not only include their entire back catalogue of over 8,500 audio tracks from bands such as Black Dyke, Cory, Eikanger Bjorsvik and the International Staff Band, but also solo stars such as David Childs, Maurice Murphy, Philip Cobb, Glenn Van Looy and Ian Bousfield.
The most eagerly awaited new releases will also be there to enjoy so that you don't miss out on a thing.
Unseen footage
The service has also enabled World of Brass to add previously unseen footage of performances from the European and Brass in Concert Championships — adding a huge amount of outstanding music making from youth to elite level.
That means regular brass bands fans as well as aficionados can enjoy iconic anthologies from Yorkshire Building Society and Grimethorpe Colliery or add to their 'tick list' of major test-piece recordings and entertainment sets from favourite bands.
You can also go back in time to hear the ISB 120 Concert at Cadogan Hall in 2011 or Black Dyke performing with the Huddersfield Choral Society, or even tailor your choices to focus on composers such as Philip Wilby, Edward Gregson, Arthur Bliss, Martin Ellerby, Eric Ball or Gilbert Vinter.
Subscription
Subscription will cost from £7.99 per month (with money saving quarterly and annual options) — and has been made as easy as possible for you to browse through the extensive catalogue on your home computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone through your regular internet browser.
It has enabled us to open up a vast resource that can now be accessed all over the banding globe — adding greatly to people's ability to enjoy superb brass bands and brilliant soloists playing wonderful musicNicki Tonge
Significant development
Speaking about the launch of the new service, Nicki Tonge of World of Brass told 4BR: "We believe this is the most significant development in the way people will be able to enjoy brass band recordings since the advent of the CD.
It has enabled us to open up a vast resource that can now be accessed all over the banding globe — adding greatly to people's ability to enjoy superb brass bands and brilliant soloists playing wonderful music.
It is also a foundation on which we wish to build an exciting banding future — one that World of Brass will support further once we are back in concert halls and contests venues with our commitment to live streaming major events."
Nicki Tonge added: "We will also be working closely with our friends at 4Barsrest to bring you regular reviews, commentaries and opinions as we look forward to bringing you a fantastic new way of enjoying brass band music making."
